April 25, 2013

Another earth friendly topic in honor of earth day this week!  Your landscaping can help save you money, and we always want to help our clients get value with their landscaping!

According to the Department of Natural Resources, strategically placed shade trees can reduce air conditioning costs up to 30%.

For the best results, you should have at least 3 large deciduous trees around your home that provide shade and block heat during the hotter months, and drop their leaves to allow sunlight during the colder months.Trees should be placed on the south and west sides of buildings.  Shading hard surfaces such as driveways, patios and sidewalks minimizes landscape heat load.In addition, a savings of 10 to 50% can be saved for heating your home.  Use evergreens to serve as windbreaks.  They will offer the best benefit when they are placed to intercept and slow winter winds, usually on the north side of your home.